Democratuzation efforts in transition to the multi-party peri̇od

The Second World War has a different place in terms of its effects on the Turkish Republic and the world history, because this war resulted in the triumph of democracy. The defeat of countries based on fascist-totalitarian one-party rule has made democracy a rising value. When the Democratic systems were rising, Turkey did not remain unresponsive to this. The Republican People's Party was the only political party in Turkey of 1923-1946. After the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, significant changes were made within the party, with İsmet İnönü being the National Chief, one-party ideology became effective. In this period some anti-democratic laws and practices caused socio-economic damages and public opposition against government. After the war, developments inside and outside the country were forced to transition to a multi-party democratic regime. The Democratic Party was established under these circumstances and was tolerated by for a certain time. However, the rapid organization of the opposition and its success of the 1946 elections caused become stiffened position of the government. After transition to multi-party system, the opposition criticized the government in terms of antidemocratic laws and demanded radical changes. Government party changed and abolished these practices for regain the support of the public. Present study was prepared to analyse the causes, outcomes and effects of democratization movements being started in the Turkish political life after the war. Key Words: Democracy, Multiparty Life, Republican People's Party, Democratic Party, National Chief.